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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a multipurpose training and emergency shelter facility in Bayelsa State, marking a significant stride in both youth development and disaster response in the region.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, presided over the commissioning on Tuesday at Otuokpoti in Bayelsa State unveiling the “NDDC Renewed Hope Ultramodern Training Center”—a hybrid facility designed to serve as a youth training hub and also shelter displaced persons during flood emergencies.
“I want to say we’re here today to commission two projects in Bayelsa. First, the NDDC Renewed Hope Ultramodern Training Centre, which is just behind me,” Ogbuku announced. “This project was conceived by this administration as part of the way of bridging the gap of training deficiency in our region.”
Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the facility’s dual-purpose nature, noting its importance in a flood-prone state like Bayelsa.
“The concept of this project was conceived in a way that it can be a hybrid project,” he explained. “A project that during the flooding season, people who are displaced can also have a shelter and also a place for training and learning. Not just because they are displaced to be left for their fate.”
He also addressed the issue of displaced persons previously taking shelter in unsuitable locations, such as schools and open areas:
“In Bayelsa, we know where we used to know as IDP camp before now was Osbo Lake, which was just open,” he said. “People take over school buildings and once there is flood, schools close because people take over school buildings.”
The MD concluded by underlining the project’s forward-thinking nature and its benefit to youth development in times of peace:
“We thought we had to create an ultramodern structure facility that will be a hybrid facility to accommodate people both in emergency situation and when we don’t have emergency, the facility can be used for training of people, especially youths.”
The NDDC says the new centre aligns with the Commission’s Renewed Hope Agenda and represents a practical step toward addressing regional training gaps and building resilience against climate-related displacement.
The event was attended by key figures including the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede; and Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong. Also present were NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, board members, lawmakers, and military officials—demonstrating strong federal backing for regional empowerment and vocational education.
